As a junior on the Cal Poly Pomona women's track and field team, Ariel Whitney has helped this season's 4x400-meter relay team race to the fourth-best time in the Broncos' all-time record books. In that record-setting race, Whitney combined with teammates Cynthia Acedo, Mia Moreno and Brooke Gamble to post a time of 3:50.22 in Claremont on April 1. Whitney, a Chino Hills native, competes on the 4x100-meter relay team and races in individual events as well. Sports Information Intern Karina Lopez was able to catch up with Whitney to talk about sprinting and her other passion – animals.
 
Q: How does the friendship you have with your 4x400 relay team off the track relate to your success this season?
 
Whitney: Having a strong relationship off the track makes working on the track a lot easier. We know each other's personalities and our weaknesses and strengths, so we work with each other to make sure during the race we are getting done what we need to. We know just what to say to each other to give each other confidence before a race.

Q: Can you talk about what you enjoy most about being a member of CPP's track and field team?
 
Whitney: I love all my teammates and all the experiences we share together. All the pain we go through together on a daily basis to reach our goals and make it on the plane to nationals and make our coach proud.

Q: Do you go through a pre-race ritual before you compete? If so, what do you do?
 
Whitney: I usually listen to music and just visualize my race in my mind.
 
Q:  At the Cal-Nevada Invite on April 1, you helped the 4x400 relay team race to fourth place in the CPP record books. Can you describe what that experience was like?
 
Whitney: It was so exciting seeing our time at the end of the race. Everyone pushed really hard and gave everything they had. My teammates are very motivating and we are so close to hitting the provisional mark for nationals, which is very exciting. I know we are going to push ten times harder to make it on the plane to Colorado.
 
Q:  How did you first begin to compete in the sport of track and field?
 
Whitney: My whole life I played soccer and everyone told me I was very fast, so when I got to high school one of my good friends was on the track team so I decided to try out and I made varsity my freshman year. I have loved the sport since then.

Q: Of the different events you compete in, which one is your favorite and why?
 
Whitney: It would probably be the 4x400-meter relay. The 4x4 is one of the most exciting races because it is the last race of the day so everyone is around the track cheering you on and it is a great atmosphere and gets your adrenaline pumping.
 
Q:  How does competing in a relay differ from your individual events?
 
Whitney: When competing on a relay team, there are three other members you have to work with. You have to make sure you compete to your full potential so you have your team in good position when you hand off the baton. It also takes a lot of preparation because we have to practice handoffs to make sure everything in our race goes perfect. In an individual event, it is just me and my performance won't hurt my other teammates.

Q: You are an animal science major at CPP. Can you talk about what first attracted you to that field of study?
 
Whitney: My whole life I have loved animals. I hate seeing animals hurt and homeless, so I wanted a job where I can make a difference in their lives and make sure they live a healthy and happy life.

Q: What is your favorite animal?
 
Whitney: Dolphin.

Q: What is something most people don't know about you?

Whitney: Besides my friends, most people do not know I am half black.

Previous Q&As: tiffanyDINH 4.18.12 | jenzenTORRES 4.12.12 | jacobDEAVERS 4.4.12